WHO: World Health Organization

[dothedd]

Availability of a new recombinant A(H5N1) vaccine virus
03 August 2010
IDCDC-RG13

A new recombinant A(H5N1) vaccine virus has been developed by the WHO Collaborating Center for the Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA, from A/Egypt/3300-NAMRU3/2008 (H5N1; Clade 2.2.1) The new recombinant vaccine virus named A/Egypt/3300-NAMRU3/2008 (H5N1)-PR8-IDCDC-RG13 is available for distribution. As with all seasonal and A(H5N1) influenza viruses selected by WHO and used for vaccine development, the sequence of haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) of A/Egypt/3300-NAMRU3/2008 can be found on a public website:

:: HA Sequence
:: NA Sequence
The sequence for both surface genes of the recombinant vaccine virus IDCDC-RG13 can also be found on the NCBI public website:

:: HA Sequence
:: NA Sequence
Institutions, companies and others interested in pandemic vaccine development, who wish to receive these candidate vaccine viruses should contact either the WHO Global Influenza Programme at [e-mail] or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at the address below:

Dr. Ruben Donis
Influenza Division, NCIRD, OID
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd., MS G-16
Atlanta, GA 30333
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Antigenic analysis of A/Egypt/3300-NAMRU3/2008, A/Egypt/3300-NAMRU3/2008(H5N1)-PR8-IDCDC-RG13 by haemagglutination inhibition with ferret antisera indicated that it maintained the characteristics of the parental wild-type virus.

The Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) has been closely monitoring the antigenic and genetic evolution of the circulating viruses, especially viruses that infect humans.

Countries are encouraged to share with WHO their specimens and/or isolates, both from humans and animals, in order to be included in the WHO H5N1 vaccine virus selection and development programme, in addition to other activities of public health significance.

[dothedd]

Snerdley,

I understand your concern, as I too have similar concerns about vaccines. When (in my opinion ... not IF) Novavax has a safe vaccine without adjuvants I will then reconsider it for myself and as a recommendation to family and friends.

I am a (long shareholder of record) and I believe in the technology and the company. I have done the due diligence and followed the process on a day to day basis since September 2005. I do not offer opinions on a regular basis, but share facts and information for those interested to make their own investment and health decisions.

Thank you for interest.

DTDD